National Sports

The Grizzlies enter the Western Conference finals on -- no hyperbole -- the ride of the franchise's lifetime. Never before has the organization won as many games as they won this year -- 56 -- and never before has it reached this point, just four wins from competing for a championship. The Spurs, of course, are simply back, mounted on a familiar horse: San Antonio has won four titles since 1999 and this will be their eighth appearance in the Western Conference finals in the last 15 years. The NBA might as well re-name this round "The Gregg Popovich Invitational" when he retires.

The son of the U.S. national swim team director is reporting that Michael Phelps is planning a comeback for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

MADRID (AP) -- Atletico Madrid ended a 14-year winless run against Real Madrid to capture the Copa del Rey title on Friday, coming from behind to win 2-1 in extra time after its city rivals' Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho were sent off.

Mike Trout and Bryce Harper took baseball by storm as rookie phenoms last season. How are they doing in 2013? Struggling to live up to the ridiculously high bar they set, say our experts.

PITTSBURGH (AP) The Ottawa Senators have plenty of respect for Sidney Crosby.

Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte is being put on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left trapezius muscle in his upper back.

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Everything's a go for Orb.

The Grizzlies made history when they knocked out the Spurs in the first round of the playoffs in 2011. How will their sequel in the West finals play out? Expect Big 3's to be key in the series.

Kawhi Leonard has emerged as more than a complement to the Spurs' big three as they head to the West finals. His growth opens up intriguing possibilities, writes Rob Mahoney.

Stars get all the accolades. There are others, however, who contribute plenty yet miss out on the attention. Adrian Dater highlights eight unheralded players to keep an eye on.